Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Savory and Hearty Meal

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. With juicy bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful combination of Italian sausage, rice, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness wrapped up in a tender, roasted bell pepper.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal, and the best part is that it can be made ahead of time and baked when you’re ready. The rice, sausage, and marinara filling creates a rich, comforting flavor, while the melted mozzarella adds a delicious cheesy topping.

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What You Need to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers:

Ingredients:

• 3 bell peppers
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt (divided)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (divided)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers:

1. Prepare the Bell Peppers:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash and dry the bell peppers. Cut them in half horizontally and remove the stem and seeds from the top half of each pepper. Place the bell pepper halves into a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Season and Bake the Peppers:
   Brush the bell peppers with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of cracked black pepper. Bake the bell peppers in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until slightly softened.
3. Make the Filling:
   While the bell peppers are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the Rice and Sauce:
   To the skillet, add the uncooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine. Place a lid on the skillet, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring the mixture to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 more minutes.
5. Fill the Peppers:
   After resting, fluff the rice and stir the mixture. Carefully fill each baked bell pepper with the sausage and rice mixture, pressing it down slightly to pack it in.
6. Top with Mozzarella:
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper.
7. Bake and Broil:
   Loosely tent aluminum foil over the casserole dish and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil, turn the oven to broil, and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley (if desired), and serve hot. Enjoy your savory, cheesy stuffed bell peppers!

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Common Questions About This Recipe:

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or beef. The flavors will still be delicious with any of these alternatives.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, you can replace the sausage with a meatless filling, like sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or even quinoa.

Can I prepare these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the peppers and the filling in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready. Store the prepared stuffed peppers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

What can I serve with stuffed bell peppers?
These stuffed bell peppers pair perfectly with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Bell Peppers:

• Make sure to cook the rice before adding it to the filling, as it helps to absorb the flavors of the sauce and sausage, and ensures it’s cooked properly.
• Feel free to mix up the cheese. If you don’t have mozzarella, try using cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling to give the dish a slight kick.

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These Stuffed Bell Peppers are packed with flavor, texture, and cheesy goodness. They make for a hearty, comforting meal that’s both filling and satisfying.

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